When it comes to security of VoIP calls, what we possible think is that someone else is eavesdropping on our conversation. To be frank, the answer is ‘yes’, and it’s not limited to that, there is much more.
In real life VoIP security issues can be cut down into 3 types
- Can anyone eavesdrop or tap the calls I make?
- PC and Network safety
- Call Theft
Okay we get into detail on each topic.
VoIP Security Issue #1: Can anyone eavesdrop or tap the calls I make?
When using VoIP calls if you are concerned that bad guys may back your calls and listen to your conversation, then it is undoubtedly possible with right equipment and knowledge. However the same thing is possible by the bad guys on landlines and Smartphone.
First of all you need to understand the difference between ordinary telephone calls and information passed over computer. A phone call happens in real time, the point of start is unknown and when it happens it will gone forever by the time call ends. However other data such as emails are stored in an ordered format and can be looked upon later on. This implies that phone calls start and ends more securely as it doesn’t leave back any stored records than many communication methods. To add up the security in a realistic way while making telephone calls from eavesdropping, it’s better to avoid any publicly available telephone service.
Unlike ordinary telephone calls, VoIP calls can be encrypted and thus can be made secured. Regrettably there are several misleading stories and statements about VoIP security and encrypted VoIP. To clear you from all your doubts, you need to know that encryption needs to be on both the ends for complete protection of the conversation.
At present it is only possible on any VoIP to VoIP calls within the same vendor network (a networking which supports and allows it). When it comes to PSTN, they are not encrypted and there is nothing telephone service providers can do. Any calls from a VoIP network to another VoIP network are also not encrypted, thus leaving encryption for calling within the company.
Owing to these factors it is highly recommended that your focus should be on networking security and where the devices are connected instead of depending solely on partial encryption (as security should be in total rather than in partial).
VoIP Security Issue #2: PC and Network Safety
This is where you need to put in perspective for a realistic security approach. We know that when you are connected to the Internet without any protection, you’re vulnerable to attacks.
With all sorts of anti-virus and anti-spyware software available both free & paid version, there might not be no worries. When it comes to residential user or business users, your router is connected to the internet and to your company as well as your VoIP phone. A security feature is added to it, a hardware firewall which helps to protect the internal network.
You need to understand that all wireless routers offer encrypted security. You just need to turn on. If everything is right, you need to understand that you’re safe from most prominent attack. Keep the fact that, it has nothing to do with VoIP.
VoIP Security Issue #3: Call Theft
One of the biggest worries in VoIP industry is, Can someone use my account and make calls and I need to pay for the bills?
To be frank, this only happens when your username and password has been compromised and the bad guys know how the service works or when an unprotected hardware PBX is used. When they access it, they can use up all the credit which is currently available in the account.
It’s as if you lose your credit card with your PIN number written on it.
B the time, the fraud uses the few pounds (£) in your account, you can block the account letting the service provider to know about it. Few service providers even provide refund for the account or offer the security features from these kinds of theft.
Conclusion
Hackers and bad guys always look for an alternative to get into latest technologies; however they always look for low secured and most lucrative challenges. If you and your business take normal precautions, then you can forget about almost 90% of VoIP risks.
So what kind of security issues do you face? Let us know in our comment section.